KOTA KINABALU: Several Sabah leaders expressed disappointment over the postponement of the scheduled tabling of the Bill to amend the Federal Constitution to be in line with relevant provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), but said the extra time could turn out to be a blessing.

       Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said it was not a good development for Sabah and Sarawak, which had waited long to have its aspirations realised.

       Commenting on the deferment of the tabling of the Bill initially scheduled for yesterday, he said though disappointed, he agreed that more time could help to ensure the amendments were handled carefully.

       “Amendments to the Federal Constitution affecting the Borneo states is a complex and controversial issue,” said the Sabah deputy chief minister and Keningau MP.

       He said it would not serve any purpose if Sabah and Sarawak end up with cosmetic amendments.

       Upko president Datuk Seri Madius Tangau said the deferment of the Bill could turn out to be something good for Sabah and Sarawak.

       He said the extra time could be used to relook the entire proposal, adding that there was still “room for improvement”.

       Madius, who is the Tuaran MP, urged all involved in the proposal and amendments of the Bill to come together to relook at “what is missing” and what can be improved.

       He said the amendments should result in strengthening the Federation with equal partnership between the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.

       Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin of the DAP said the deferment was an unusual development as Pakatan Harapan, the country’s main Opposition front, had openly declared support for the proposed amendments.

       Two amendments were proposed: one to Article 1(2) to restore Sabah and Sarawak back to its original status when forming Malaysia, and the other to Article 160(2) on the definition of “the Federation” which also reflected the historical facts of the country, he said.

       He said this would have been the first time that the MA63 had a proper place in the Federal Constitution, with Malaysia Day on Sept 16 also defined clearly in the proposed amendments.

       Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar had said that the Bill was deferred as some ministers did not agree to some of the terms.

       He said this resulted in the Cabinet deciding to seek more clarification from the Attorney General.